As part of an ambitious large-scale environmental improvement programme within the Ise Valley, Miles Water have been undertaking complex watercourse re-engineering and natural habitat restoration within Wicksteed Park, Northamptonshire.
The overall project, led by The River Ise Partnership, aims to enhance the quality of the Valley’s natural environment for long term benefits to local communities and wildlife. The first stage, focusing on ecological and hydrological elements, involves Miles Waters specialist skills to realign and reshape Slade Brook to a more natural watercourse. The brook was straightened over 100 years ago to accommodate the railway line, in doing so it disconnected the natural floodplain and provided limited habitat and refuge for ecosystems within. This complex watercourse re-engineering reinstates natural flood management facilitating sustainable natural water flow, the restoration of natural habits, increased biodiversity, water quality and mitigations against climate change.
The natural flow of Slade Brook was realigned through the flood meadow to create a braided channel which also involved lowering the surrounding floodplain to allow the new brook to connect more readily. An enhanced wetland area for birds and wildlife was created along with a new path linking new bird hide/viewing area over the new nature area as well as new meadow walks for the public to enjoy.